Wake County School Board Vice Chairman John Tedesco says he wants to "champion reforming our public schools, making them better."
He is the President of the newly-formed non-profit North Carolina Center For Education Reform.
"I want to create dialogue, connect people, empower people and actually fund intitiatives that are successful," said Tedesco.
The group will offer an online learning lab for teachers to share what works well in the classroom as well as the latest in education reform information.
Tedesco said the center will apply for grants and get private funding to replicate successful inititiatives in classrooms across the state.
One potential example from Gaston County is a charter school program entitled "Knowledge Is Power." At certain grade levels, students visit college campuses for a weekend. The idea is to inspire students from fifth grade on to get college ready. Tedesco asks, "Why couldn't some of our traditional public schools do that?"
Another possible example Tedesco offered is from Asheboro High School in Randolph County. The One To One Initiative provides a laptop device to every student. Publishers are working to integrate books and coursework on the technology. If it produces successful gains in learning, Tedesco said the center could try to partner with private business to launch a similar program in public schools.
But Tedesco's new job has raised a red flag for some education advocates who keep an eye on the Wake County School Board.
"I think there is an inherent conflict of interest if you are working for a non-profit organization funded by advocates and you are a member of a legislative body, a school board, a county commission," said Chris Fitzsimon of NC Policy Watch.
He continued, "The public deserves to know who is paying you and who is contributing to your campaign - that we do know - but we are not going to have any idea who is funding this organization."
The North Carolina Center For Education Reform did register with the Secretary of State as a non-profit. But by law the group does not have to file an annual report or list its officers.
What we do know is the CEO of Colliers International, Jim Anthony has provided the office space for two years. Anthony is a Conservative business leader and commercial real estate developer.
Tedesco is answerable to the non-profit's Board of Directors.
Among the group are educators, a police officer, school board members, and community leaders from across the state.
Two local board members are Tedesco's pastor at First Baptist Church in Garner Abel Grande and Raleigh mortgage lender Faruk Okcetin.
Okcetin said he met Tedesco before he ran for school board and called him "a true advocate for children."
"There's absolutely no conflict of interest" with Tedesco's job and school board role. Okcetin challenged anyone with questions or concerns to get involved with the center.
Tedesco himself said there is no conflict of interest "because it's the story of my life: fighting and advocating for children."
How about pay-to-play politics? Donate to the non-profit and woo Tedesco's board vote?
Tedesco chuckled and said, "That's one thing people know about me. Some people love me, others are concerned I'm too hard hitting, but they know who I am and where I stand - and where I stand is for our children."
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